Google responds to European Union’s charge against Android

The E U hit Google for $7.5 billion with more than one antitrust charge in April, now Google replies the charge against Android operating system and this is what happens. It all started in April, when the European Commission claims that the requirements for manufacturers to pre-install Google applications to use the Android operating system seek only the benefit of Google.

The EU had originally given Google until July 27 to respond to the charge, but Google ask for more time to make a review of the documents in the case file and E.C agreed to extend the term. Recently Kent Walker Google’s general counsel said on a blog that the accusations had no economic or legal basis at all. The Google Company said: Android hasn’t hurt the competition it’s expanded” (Quote). After this declaration, the giant accused the European Commission of favoring closed systems over the open-source based Android.

Is Google taken advantages of Android devices?

In April, the European Commission accused Google of take advantages of the Android devices in order to have a higher position in the market. This accusation is based on that Android devices come with pre-installed Google applications which can be harms for manufacturers and customers. The E.C was concerned even that Google was suborning mobile operators and manufacturers to exclusively pre-install Google apps on their Android devices.

Google responses that by pre-installed its own apps on Android OS devices, it works to ensure compatibility in the Android ecosystem; this is not different to what Android competition do. Apple and Microsoft do the same with their apps and services but they offer a shorter variety than Android does on their Smart phones.

As for the allegations that manufacturers install Google applications in the Smartphones that they fabricate, Google commented that it was not the obligation of any manufacturer to pre-install exclusively Google applications. Manufacturers are free to install the preferred appliances on their phones. According to the EU, this negatively affects the consumer as well but Google claims that consumers also have free choice to uninstall Google applications they do not want to have.

Other Accusations

The Commission also demanded Google of preventing manufacturers of sale devices running on competing operating systems which are based on the Android open source code. Google decides to establish a minimum level of compatibility among Android devices in order to reduce fragmentation in the market. This “voluntary” compatibility agreement with manufacturers will make them able to exceed Google’s “base line”

Wish the EU did not like the idea that there will never be missing Google search or Google Play Store in Android device to which Google replied that this is simply another case in which Android reduces costs in general for manufactures, free distribution is a Efficient solution for all.

Android has expanded the competition

According to the EU this fact can negatively affect the manufactures and costumers; Manufacturers would be forced to install Google applications and minimize customer choices. This would also be detrimental to the Android competition since manufacturers could not install other non-Google applications.

Google responds like we said before, that they do not hurt the competition, they expanded it. Android has been supporting and stimulating innovation in Smartphones technology. Google has managed to expand the number of options in the market for the client, allowing unlike other operating systems to use its software, which has served to decrease production costs.

The EU had received Google’s response.

The Commission spokesman has notified that they have received the response from Google and that they will analyze carefully, Google’s response to each case and that it is too early to know what will be the end result of the investigation.